Understanding Copyright for Creatives

Note to Mentors

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Unit Purpose and Aims

The purpose of this unit is to;

Learners will understand how copyright affects them and their practice and they will also explore the newer notion of creative commons.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will;

1. Understand UK and EU copyright law for creatives.

Learners can;

1.1 Explain how to copyright their own work

1.2 Describe key differences between UK and EU copyright law

1.3 Explain when copyrighting can be undertaken and when it can’t.

2. Understand how Creative Commons can be used as an alternative to traditional copyright

2.1 Explain the notion of creative commons and why they emerged as an alternative to traditional copyright.

2.2 Explain the key differences between copyright and creative commons.

2.3 Explain how creative commons  affects their practice.

Learning Tools, Resources & Links

Things that will help the learner develop understanding of this unit;

Mentors  please add your ideas, examples, case studies, links to articles, videos, etc. here.

Links from the British Library Business & IP Centre

The Library provides training and research tools covering all areas of IP, including copyright.

Pdf guide from the British Library Business & IP Centre on copyright

Web pages from the Intellectual Property Office on copyright

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Basics of copyright law

What intellectual property is a century old discussion, it is a bit of a grey zone, because every thought originates from another thought. Even owners of intellectual property sometimes voice for less copyright issues. An article in the Guardian says that musicians including Robbie Williams, Annie Lennox, Billy Bragg, Blur’s David Rowntree and Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien said last night that the public should not be prosecuted for downloading illegal music from the internet. However there are some clear guidelines. On what is allowed and what can be brought to court. Read up on the matter here.